Metal bodied sewing machines from the 50s and 60s are sturdy, easily repaired, and most are capable of sewing heavy duty materials. The Singer 327 K is in your price range. It is a zigzag machine that uses plastic cams to make other decorative stitches. It was the first sewing machine I ever bought, and when I graduated to another machine I found it a loving home with someone who will take care of it. They can be found second hand, so take a look at the online images. it is a workhorse of a machine, capable of sewing fine knits with the right needles, capable of sewing canvas. Again, check the needle size and thread to make sure you have the best combo. If you cannot locate a manual, just experiment.

Pressure makes people do strange things. It's as if Josh and Victor traded places. Victor consistently turned out wearable things, beautifully, so his amped up stuff for the finale was a shocker I could have done without. Somebody buy that boy some long pants! When he began, he turned out clothing I wanted to wear, and when he ended, half his collection looked as if it would have been better suited to red carpet Hollywood than to people who want comfortable beautiful, well fitting clothing.

I tried hard to see Kimberly's point of view. I liked it that she was able to take pieces the judges initially didn't like and pair them with new pieces to make outfits that worked, but they will only work for long tall women. The judges made a big deal about her portraying a specific attitude. I think I'm afraid of her target consumer. She can design spectacular pants for people with generous behinds, and I'd buy her pants and trousers in a minute.

Josh, who has been all over the place trying things, came up with a cohesive collection. I'm hard put to say I would wear anything from it, but I can appreciate the innovation, his fearlessness in using different materials.

I was not prepared to like Anya's collection. I found her personal clothing choices too bare and floaty, but her collection was beautiful from start to finish.

The show taped comments from designers who had been eliminated earlier in the competition, and it was good to hear from them... and to see them without the look of strain they had while they competed.

I want Bert. I know that whatever it is, from pants to simple dresses, Bert's clothes will allow for movement. I want Bert's styling and Kimberly's passion for color and Anya's use of pattern, with a hint of Josh and Victor's delight in strange details.

All the designers came through a tough time fairly well, and Josh, Mr. Impossible, actually learned that he needs to be kind to other people. Whew.

Can we have a ban on the word AMAZING? All of them needs a synonym list of words to use instead.

This sis more about this season that one particular episode. I am getting the feeling that this show is carefully orchestrated from day one. I mean, I think they choose who they want to win and set up the challenges to play on the strong points of their chosen one and the weak points of all others.

I do hate it that the folks who create wearable designs get bounced out right away. Likewise, anyone who knows how to cooperate.

Is the point of this show to demonstrate to young designers that designing clothing is high pressure, cut-throat, and nice guys finish last? The first to go were the designers well-liked by the others. True, what they produced missed the mark, but how many of us can make clothing from junk found in a pet store? And how many would willingly accept the challenge of designing for an editor of a fashion magazine?

What I wish they would say is "Cooperate but don't lose your vision." Being able to participate in some one else's vision is a sign of strength. When Josh wasn't in charge of the team, he sabotaged the entire team. I'm astounded that he was able to subdue his flamboyant tendencies and come up with a dress his understated client liked wearing.

I think some of the others were too concerned with making the client happy and not concerned enough with pushing their own vision-- a dangerous balance, that.

And I wanted to hit Oliver when he said he didn't like to design for people with breasts, that he preferred models . Oliver, grow up. Even a menswear designer must deal with breasts, because heavy men have them.

Your idea of using harmonizing fabrics is good. Some Laura Ashley Dresses use gauzy fabric, lace and ribbon. If yours is one of those, why not use strips of lace to lengthen and widen the pieces? this way you are not limited to adding only in the seams.

Mothers used to enlarge school dresses by adding a strip down the center front of the bodice, another between bodice and skirt, and if the dress still wasn't long enough, a band was added to the bottom